Flavor File: New Beer Haven, Progressive Dinners and More

The Rim Shopping Center — which has blown up in the last few months with openings for General Public (17619 La Cantera Pkwy., Suite 102, 210-920-1101), Bowl & Barrel immediately next door and Mash’D (17623 La Cantera Pkwy., 210-538-5833) — finally welcomed The Brass Tap (17619 La Cantera Pkwy., Suite 2, 210-670-7090). The small bar chain tapped Chicago native Winnie Mak, formerly with Arcade Midtown Kitchen and Lüke San Antonio, as manager. The space is relatively small compared to its peers, but still features 60 taps and 140 bottles of local and national craft brews. The bar will host monthly tappings, with Mak showcasing limited releases and local beers as often as possible. Those averse to craft beer will have their pick of quality wines and handcrafted cocktails, while noshing on a small menu of 30 or so bar snacks. The Brass Tap will open 11 a.m. to midnight Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday, and 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday.

The San Antonio Public Library Foundation is throwing its last party of the year with the Enchilada Red Fest. Aside form margaritas, mezcal, cervezas and aguas frescas, the event will feature a book reading and signing with Cappy Lawton and Chris Waters Dunn along with a cooking demo by executive chef Victor Maldonado on Thursday, December 3 at the Central Library (get it, enchilada red?) from 6 to 9 p.m. Tickets for the event are $40 in advance or $50 at the door; First Edition members get in free.

If you’re heading Downtown this Friday for the Ford Holiday River Parade, grab primo seating at Lüke San Antonio (125 E. Houston St., 210-227-5853). The New Orleans-style restaurant is offering two packages — a chef station event on the first floor ($89 for adults, $39 for children) and a prix-fixe menu upstairs ($72 for adults, $36 for children). Get your tickets at chef-john-besh.myshopify.com/collections/events.

Holiday beers that aren’t filled with pumpkin are my jam. So I’m pumped to get my hands on some of Alamo Beer’s latest release, an Alamo Holiday IPA, which they describe as featuring “spicy Northwest hops bitterness with a cheery citrus and floral aroma.” You can find it at select bars and restaurants in town along with a few spots in Houston and Austin.